By Laura French
ROBESONIA, Pa. — A Pennsylvania assistant fire chief, EMT and 911 dispatcher died last week due to COVID-19.
Pioneer Hose Company #1 Assistant Fire Chief Robert Zerman, 49, died Thursday and was honored with a procession of emergency vehicles on Friday. More than two dozen agencies participated in the procession.
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Zerman was previously an EMT for Western Berks Ambulance and volunteered with Newmanstown Ambulance Co., Northern Berks EMS and Berks County 911, according to a statement from the Western Berks Ambulance Association. Prior to joining Pioneer Hose Company #1, he served as deputy chief at the Western Berks Fire Department.
Western Berks Ambulance Association CEO Anthony Tucci told WFMZ that Zerman is believed to have contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty. A statement from the association said Zerman tested positive after responding to a medical assist call for Pioneer Hose Company #1 in March.
Zerman is survived by two sons, two grandchildren and two brothers, according to his obituary.